Andy's Asia - Life in the Village

The first day of Khao Phansa is kicked off with a service at temples nationwide. Khao Phansa is often called ‘Buddhist Lent’. Chulaborn Graduate Institute describes it thusly: “... this 3 month period is the time to attain the dharma, i.e. to do spiritual training. So the devotees stay away from all causes of disasters or sins by giving up alcoholic drink, smoking, and meat eating. In addition, they spend more of the time training their mind by studying the dharma or Buddha’s teachings, chanting prayers, meditating, and listening to sermons delivered by monks.” For instance giving up alcohol or cigarettes are common during this three month period. It normally begins on the first day after the first full moon in July. T his also formally kicks off the rainy season where monks were unable to travel between temples. Wherever the monks are on this day, they will stay for 3 months. During this ceremony people make merit by bringing ‘gifts’ for the monks. Toothpaste, bottled wat...

This is my inaugural post for the rebooting of my old blog.  Many things have changed both in my life, in Thailand, and indeed in Southeast Asia in general.  I'll explore both past and present in words and pictures. Some will be humorous, some perhaps edifying and many just showing my life in the village. I retired at the end of June 2019 after spending the last fifteen plus years coaching and teaching swimming at international schools in Hanoi and Bangkok.  For me it was fifteen years well spent.  I have many great memories of swimmers, coaches and families.  During the course of my travels, my primary home has been Thailand. Most of this blog will focus on my ongoing life in the village although I will go back in time regularly.  I hope you all enjoy. All photos on this blog are taken by me unless otherwise credited. This photo was taken at our very local temple. For those facebook users you can find my previous posts about village life by se...